Our team.
Connor Nelson
Festival Director
Connor Nelson, the Festival Director of the Winter Park Film Festival, grew up in Winter Park, Colorado. He spent nearly 10 years as a professional freeskier sponsored by Atomic Skis, Giro, and Winter Park Resort. During his skiing career, Connor discovered his passion for filmmaking by bringing his family’s camera to the ski hill and filming his friends.
After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a specialization in cinematography, Connor moved to Los Angeles. He is now a full-time commercial and documentary filmmaker and director of photography, working with renowned brands like United Airlines, Jockey USA, Bloomberg, and Uber Eats.
In addition to his work in cinematography, Connor is deeply passionate about mental health and addiction issues, often focusing on these themes in his filmmaking. His dedication to these important topics, coupled with his love for cinema, drives his creative vision and projects.
As the Winter Park Film Festival Director, Connor aims to bring impactful stories to the community of Grand County. He is committed to sharing his knowledge of cinema and creating a larger cultural experience. Through the festival, Connor seeks to enrich the local community by showcasing films that inspire, educate, and provoke thoughtful discussions, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
Email: connor@winterparkfilmfestival.com
Parks Thomson
Assistant Festival Director
Parks Thomson is an elite freeskier who skied for Atomic Skis, known for his creativity and diverse talents. Beyond his impressive skiing career, Parks has produced hundreds of rap songs over the past two decades, showcasing his musical prowess. He has also directed and produced several music videos and worked on numerous documentaries, further establishing himself as a multifaceted creative force.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Parks is a successful entrepreneur. He owns and runs the Rocky Mountain Roastery, a beloved coffee establishment, and Coite and Co, a distinguished watch company. His businesses reflect his dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Parks is passionate about connecting people and helping them achieve their goals and find their passions in life. His commitment to fostering community and personal growth is evident in all his ventures, making him a dynamic and inspiring figure in both the creative and business worlds.
Email: parks@winterparkfilmfestival.com
Marissa Traver
Programming Director
Marissa Traver is a multifaceted filmmaker based in Los Angeles. As a 1st Assistant Director, she has worked on top-tier projects, including multiple collaborations with Taylor Swift. Her expertise and professionalism have earned her a reputation for excellence in the industry.
In addition to her work in production, Marissa is the Programming Director for the Winter Park Film Festival. In this role, she curates film selections to ensure the audience feels the significant impact of each story presented on screen. Marissa works closely with filmmakers to ensure their films meet the highest standards of quality, helping their artistic visions shine.
With a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to cinematic excellence, Marissa Traver plays a pivotal role in bringing powerful, memorable films to the Winter Park Film Festival audience.
Email: marissa@winterparkfilmfestival.com
Amanda Miller
Volunteer Coordinator
Amanda Miller, born and raised in Denver, moved to Grand County in 2020 and quickly became an active community member. Growing up, she spent a lot of time in Winter Park, and the memories made there instilled in her a lifelong affection for the town. When remote work became a reality due to the pandemic, she was fortunate enough to make the move to Grand County. Working from home has given her the flexibility to immerse herself in the community. Whether assisting at catering events, lending a hand at the resort, volunteering at local festivals and events, or dog sitting, she appreciates every chance to contribute.
Amanda serves on the board of Tame Wellness, a Grand County nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic, and sober activities to support wellness, mental health, and addiction recovery. Additionally, Amanda is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Winter Park Film Festival. She works tirelessly to ensure the festival is always staffed with enthusiastic film lovers, creating an engaging and welcoming environment for attendees and filmmakers alike.
With her deep roots in the community and her dedication to service, Amanda Miller plays a crucial role in making the Winter Park Film Festival a success and contributing to the well-being of Grand County residents.
Email: amanda@winterparkfilmfestival.com